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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2013 1:53:57 GMT -5
Nettlefur quietly picked his way through the leaves and rubble of the forest floor, the lanky tom travelling a bit slower than he generally did. He tread slower today to accommodate the new apprentice that he was leading. Hazepaw was quite a bit smaller than the tall tom, his youthful stature not quite as graceful as it would be, and Nettlefur didn't want him to have to struggle to keep up. The tom wondered how observant his companion was as he walked carefully and soundlessly, not upsetting the terrain below him. It was of the utmost importance to teach Hazepaw to move silently; the swiftness would come with experience.
Nettlefur did not know the younger tortoiseshell very well, and had rarely seen him around camp. He'd heard an abundance of whispers, however, about the kits inability to become a warrior. It was something that the tom had neither partaken in nor accepted, and it came as little surprise to him that the young tom had been hard to place with a mentor. However, the tom had been more than willing to take on the mentorship of Hazepaw, and was determined to find a way to help the young tom succeed.
The first step, he supposed, was confidence. After all the bitter hisses that had surrounded the young cat, especially as he was allowed to become an apprentice, must have taken some sort of toll on him. He was bringing him here to give him a lesson in the warrior code, and later hunting. Frogs were easy to catch, he reasoned, and easy to find. The mottled tabby intended on setting a strong foundation for Hazepaw, so that his apprentice could build on skills he'd already developed, and become a strong, well rounded warrior. What separated Nettlefur from other mentoring candidates was that he was a critical thinker, and a planner. He intended to observe Hazepaw, and help him learn to cope with and improve his sleeping condition. Today, in fact, while the other apprentices had been woken early to go learn the borders, Nettlefur had waited until Hazepaw awoke in his own time, so as to not deprive him of any sleep. He didn't want to train Hazepaw with the other apprentices much, anyways. He would not have his apprentice ridiculed on his watch, and he felt like he had more to teach him alone. Of course, Hazepaw would eventually do battle training with the other apprentices, but not until he had a strong grasp of foundation concepts.
The pair arrived at the edges of the marshy pools and Nettlefur stopped and sat, wrapping his long tail around his paws. He turned to look at the tortoiseshell tom and asked, "What do you know of the warrior code, Hazepaw?" Character; Nettlefur Word count; 459 Notes; Big Coat by Wiretree
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Post by Fawn on May 24, 2013 2:21:14 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Contrary to Nettlefur's thoughts, the copious rumors and nasty remarks involving his apprenticeship and how it was going to be an embarrassment to any self respecting mentor - those things hadn't reached the multicolored ears of the tortoiseshell tom. It wasn't so much that he was ignoring them, or that he somehow agreed with public opinion - it was more along the lines of his peculiar condition giving him a little bit of an attention deficit disorder. Not only did he fall asleep by happenstance, but he was easily distracted by the world around him, and was more fascinated by what cats did as opposed to what cats said.
He was fully aware that he had a condition no one else in the Clan seemed to possess, and there were times when it made him feel small, strange even, as though Hazepaw had not been born here or something. Having the companionship of Darkpaw and Whitepaw, his brother and sister certainly kept the young tom's self esteem from being too damaged too soon - and his spirits were high, his actions energetic and his heart light as kitten fluff (Which he still had a decent amount of, truth be told). Having never actually ventured into the forest before, Hazepaw had instantly become overwhelmed and enthralled by this entirely new landscape that had opened up to him, listening to the different bird sounds, his eyes and ears swiveling in all directions - his haste to look at and touch everything left the plush-coated tom a little tangled in the legs a bit.
Stepping noisily on a branch, Hazepaw's thoughts snapped back to focus on the tall, respectable warrior who had become his mentor. He did not know a lot about him, but Nettlefur had been making a particularly solid impression on the young tom since the beginning. He seemed so very wise compared to himself, who hardly knew anything, as if he had the whole world figured out and his apprenticeship had been so many moons ago... It wasn't that he thought of Nettlefur as old, merely... experienced. Yeah, that was the word.
Realizing he'd been asked a question, the tom stopped dead in his tracks to think, attempting to recall it. "Huh? Oh - " hasty to cover up his mistake, Hazepaw spewed the first thing that came to mind. "Well I know it keeps the Clans from fighting with each other. That killing other cats is bad, and that we shouldn't be kittypets?" What a weird term...that he didn't truly grasp the meaning of, but when he'd asked the other apprentices, a pawful of them didn't either, so Hazepaw didn't feel quite so...dim.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2013 12:03:11 GMT -5
His brown-green eyes soft, Nettlefur watched the young tom, listening. Hazepaw's words were hurried, and he laughed inwardly at his flustered outpour of words, though he hid it well. With a nod, the tom mewed, "Very good! The first rule of the warrior code is that you must defend NightClan, even if that means you must give up your own life. While you can have friends from other clans, you must first and foremost remain loyal to NightClan. One day, you may have to fight those cats in battle." He paused to give Hazepaw time to absorb what he'd just said. "The second rule is that you must never hunt or trespass on another clan's territory. Tomorrow I will show you the borders so you'll know just where they are."
Nettlefur found the shift in traditions intriguing. He'd been told that generations ago, the warrior code was taught from kithood through the end of an elder's life. Now it seemed as if it was solely the mentor's job to teach the warrior code and its application.
"The third rule is that elders, kits, queens, and injured cats must eat before warriors and apprentices. Apprentices may not eat before hunting for the elders, unless they are given permission." Other parts of the original code were routinely neglected, as well, and it made him wonder if the clans were losing touch with the code they still swore to live by. "Prey is killed only to be eaten; give thanks to StarClan for its life, always." The mottled tabby's fur had a few messy tufts that always stuck out no matter how many times he groomed it. His fur was as it was, and no amount of coaxing or force would make it change. Nettlefur was fine with that, and had never been concerned with the state of his coat, or the swirls that arose from it. Perhaps Hazepaw was like that; a perfectly good pelt with a few unruly bits. "A kit must be 6 moons or older to become an apprentice," he skimmed over this rule, as Hazepaw was already broadly aware of it and its implications. "Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name." Nettlefur would do his best to help Hazepaw reach that goal, he decided.
"Every deputy must mentor at least one apprentice. The deputy will become leader when the leader dies, retires, or is exiled. Also, after the death or retirement of the deputy, the new deputy must be chosen by moonhigh." He recited the code from memory, each learned rule embedded in his mind. It was not only the words he knew, but the meaning, application, and implications of each rule. When Nettlefur was given information, he not only remembered it, but he understood it. "A gathering of all five clans is held under the full moon during a truce that is to last all night. This means that there is to be no fighting among the clans during this time." Nettlefur's calm, quiet mew was clear and alive. He was teaching, but he wanted Hazepaw to love learning.
"Boundaries must be checked and marked daily," he continued. "and you must challenge all trespassing cats." He felt a twang of guilt at his own leader's huge prey-stealing expeditions that had lasted all of leafbare. How would that affect the future generations of NightClan? Their own leader disregarding the warrior code. It was a foul example to set, and one that would only set up for the eventual demise of the clans, as the very fabric of them frayed and tore. The warrior code was what made the clans, and neglecting it was asking for the fall of the five. "You cannot neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if that kit is not from NightClan."
"And," he continued, being very careful not to sigh or let his voice change, "The word of NightClan's leader is law." He struggled with Ravenstar's deliberate disregard of the warrior code, though he respected her as a leader. "The fourteenth point is that an honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his or her battles, unless they are outside the warrior code or if it is necessary for self-defense." The last point was old and outdated, but he taught it anyways. "Finally, a warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet." He paused, knowing that Hazepaw must have no clue what a kittypet. He didn't fully know either. He would do his best to explain, were Hazepaw to ask.
He'd moved through the code quickly, without elaborating on any points to avoid losing Hazepaw's attention. He hadn't fallen asleep as of yet. Good. His tail flicking good-naturedly, the lanky tom looked to his apprentice, ready for any questions he might have. Character; Nettlefur Word count; 802 Notes; My Heart Asks Pleasure First by Myleen Klass
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Post by Fawn on May 24, 2013 12:31:54 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Hazepaw's ears pricked forward in slight surprise at the praise Nettlefur gave out, despite his answer being...somewhat sloppy; before he could allow those words to soak in properly however, an overwhelming influx of knowledge seemed to pour from Nettlefur's mouth. He almost didn't process it all, listening with an intent look on his face as though he expected to be interrogated on this information later - Hazepaw more less just didn't want to make a fool out of himself in front of the other apprentices. He wanted to succeed. He wanted to do well enough that cats would never again count his disability against him (yes, that's what it was. His father had called it a disability after Smokefur had been unable to identify the cause or cure the tortoiseshell tom of it).
Despite having to absorb so much of the code in so little time, (Hazepaw knew he would need a refresher on it later, er, maybe a few refreshers) he had been able to pinpoint a few things that had caught him by the ear. "If the leader's word is law, then why do we have a warrior code? Doesn't that mean that Ravenstar can do whatever she wants?"
Being so young and so easily distracted, Hazepaw knew nothing of TreeClan's prey-stealing; in fact, the most exciting thing he could recall at this point was the great warrior Blackwolf returning to camp half conscious from bloodless due to a nasty skirmish with TreeClan. Hazepaw was a bit weary of the muscular obsidian warrior due to Blackwolf having snapped at him for sleeping during the flood, but he had still felt a bit shaken by Blackwolf's horrible physical state when Ghostlight had nearly carried him to Smokefur's den. It was...scary to think that adults could get hurt so badly. To think that all the cats around him would possibly fall in battle.
Beginning to feel a little distressed and morbid over such thoughts, his mind lingering on the rules that applied to losing one's life in the service of the Clan and taking another's life for the very same reason, Hazepaw's steps slowed. Though he was beginning to feel his eyelids droop, the new apprentice stared at Nettlefur with expressive, glimmering greenish-blue eyes, revealing his anxiousness. "Isn't it scary though? To know you might die in battle?" The tom's heart gave a painful squeeze at the idea of going up against an opponent who truly intended to kill him, when he likely couldn't reciprocate those feelings. It was hard to imagine himself hating anyone, let alone killing someone. Hazepaw shuddered, stopped, and crouched down, the submissive, fearful posture he exhibited soon smoothing out as sleep overtook him, somnus spurred on by the powerful distress he'd felt in that moment.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2013 23:36:17 GMT -5
Nettlefur watched, panic welling in his belly for just a moment as Hazepaw fell asleep. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax, and examined the tortoiseshell apprentice from a distance for a moment. He was crouched down and slumped sideways, breathing slowly and steadily. The mottled tabby recognized this as one of his sleep episodes, the ones that had caused NightClan's more dramatic warriors to come alive like a nest of hornets, buzzing with gossip and opinions and rejection. But Nettlefur never had bought into their extravagant expressions of worry and anxiety about the kit, and still did not.
He could see how it could become a problem in battle or during a hunt, but he was certain that there were ways to improve the condition, and to control it. Smokefur was inarguably a competent medicine cat, but he was convinced that the answer lay outside of herbs, and instead in a management of one's self. Now that he could help with.
What had happened right before he'd fallen asleep? He'd asked about fighting in battle, and killing other cats. Distress had been apparent in his voice, and then he'd sank down and had became dead to the world. It must have something to do with that... He pondered, the tip of his tail twitching slightly as it did when he was thinking. It couldn't be random after all. Not always. There had to be a pattern, a common factor. Whatever it was, Nettlefur would find it.
He sat, calmly watching over Hazepaw until he saw him stir. As the cat began to get to his paws, Nettlefur began to speak. "Ravenstar must also comply with the warrior code. No cat is above or outside of the warrior code. It is her duty to guide, protect, and make decisions for her clan, but she must lead by the code," he explained. "The warrior code is what sets the clans apart from other cats. It defines the clans." The warrior paused, giving the words time to process. His brown-splotched green eyes searched the younger cat.
"As for dying in battle," he began, his gaze gentle, "I suppose that it can be frightening at times. But I would gladly give up my life to protect NightClan. Such is the life of a warrior, Hazepaw. We must live and die for each other; that is not something to fear, but rather to love." He had more to say, but stopped himself, as it was probably a lot for the tom to process in his youth. Falling silent, he awaited Hazepaw's next questions. If he had none, the pair would work a bit on something else. It was a lot for one day, but not too much for the young tom, or any other apprentice, to handle.
Nettlefur refused to allow Hazepaw to be defined by his disability.
Character; Nettlefur Word count; 498 Notes; Sweet Escape by Paul Cardall
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Post by Fawn on May 25, 2013 3:19:37 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
The tortoiseshell tom awoke feelingly slightly better then when those distressed eyes had first closed - the voice of his mentor like a branch held out for him to grab, Hazepaw subconsciously latching onto Nettlefur's words in order to pull himself out of the realm of dreams and into reality once more. A small toss of the coat, Hazepaw's greenish-blue gaze radiated understanding - and guilt - the tom too embarrassed by 'problem' to possibly call attention to it. It was probably better if they didn't talk about it...
Throwing himself wholeheartedly into the conversation, there was a certain desperation about the tom that made it apparent to an adult or anyone of decent perception that he was eager to make Nettlefur forget the moment had happened at all. "I understand what you mean. It still sounds so..." the tortoiseshell student didn't really need a word for that, did he? "But if I have to, I'll die for my friends and family." That's what it meant to be a part of a Clan; the strong took care of the weak, the young cared for the old, the wise taught the inexperienced. To be in a Clan was to accept each other, even if they had an unusual disability nocat could ever possibly explain.
"I am also glad that Ravenstar has to act within the code," mewed Hazepaw in a somewhat smaller speaking voice than normal, as if he felt a little uncomfortable addressing the topic of Ravenstar and her decisions - especially when he was scarcely out of nursery. "Wouldn't it be dangerous if she didn't have to?"
So the warrior code means the difference between a tyrant and a sensible leader. Inquisitive and quick to forget his fumble, Hazepaw fell into that mental state where he would literally ask anything that came to the forefront of his consciousness - no matter how silly or how strange the question may be. Unaware of what a kittypet was, that surprisingly was not the first slightly off-topic inquiry out of the plush-coated tom's mouth. Ears forward, eyes wide and head angled to the side, he was the picture of youthful curiosity, his slim kitten body slightly discordant with the actual maturity he was capable of showing. "Do you ever want to become leader, Nettlefur? Is it true that Ravenstar has 10 lives?" Hazepaw resisted the urge to pin back his ears, a little embarrassed to voice aloud the latest rumor going around the nursery.
Though Nettlefur would only become leader if Ravenstar lost her lives, and Roughthroat appointed him deputy and something happened to Roughthroat... That was too morbid to think about, of having to cycle through two leaders so quickly, so Hazepaw let the topic go, despite having already tossed out his question like a fishing line.
Notes: xD Sorry this one was kind of all over the place!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2013 1:46:34 GMT -5
The mottled tabby nodded patiently as the young tom spoke, acknowledging each point with a blink of his eyes, a twitch of his whiskers, or a flick of his ears. Nettlefur was exceptionally good at listening, and letting cats know that they were not speaking to a boulder wall. "Wouldn't it be dangerous if Ravenstar didn't have to follow the warrior code?" Nettlefur bobbed his head in agreement. It is dangerous when she doesn't follow the warrior code, he thought privately. Her prey stealing antics were putting NightClan at great risk, and he prayed to StarClan that TreeClan would continue its deliberate and undeserved tolerance. Nettlefur pushed the thought to the back of his mind. He was a NightClan warrior, and he would remain loyal until the day that he died. Loyal to NightClan. Hazepaw spoke again.
"StarClan gives our leaders nine lives when they become a clan leader," he explained. "Ravenstar, just like Sandstar, Lionstar, Hawkstar, and Redstar, has nine lives to serve her clan with." The gangly cat's ears twitched back at the sound of a little splash. His brown-splotched green eyes glinted playfully. He leaned forward, whiskers twitching. "Would you like to learn how to hunt?" The thought completed itself. But not necessarily Ravenstar. Word count; 200 Character; Nettlefur Notes;
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Post by Fawn on Jul 1, 2013 1:40:42 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Though Nettlefur hadn't answered him on whether or not he wanted to be leader, Hazepaw had already moved on. As though a moth to a flame, the prospect of learning how to hunt had the kitten's posture straightening, body language suggesting that the answer was yes even before he'd opened his multicolored jaws. ”Yes! Definitely!” Realizing that had come out a little louder than was actually appropriate, the plush tortoiseshell tom grimaced, looking to his dim-colored mentor, sheepish. The pitter patter of the youngster's heart was akin to a rabbit's, the bright knowledge-thirsty gleam in Hazepaw's blue-green eyes was enough to hint at another possible sleep-attack coming on, but they were hardly ever so close together. Instinctively feeling as though he should limber up before they went off chasing mice and crows all over the marshes they called home, Hazepaw's narrow front limbs came forward, back now at a slanted angle as he stretched, kitten-soft paws unsheathing small white claws as he did so.
I hope Whitepaw and Darkpaw are having as much fun as I am. What would they be learning, he wondered? It would've been nice for all three of them to go out, but he was content with each sibling breaking off into pairs with their mentors for the day. They could always discuss today's happenings when they'd nestled down in the apprentices' den for the night. Surprising as it may be, Hazepaw's condition was not at the forefront of his mind, the tom still not quite having transitioned into a type of thinking that viewed it as a condition; it was simply a part of him - like the reason he was a tortoiseshell tom when that particular pattern was rather rare amongst males of their species. It was just... a thing, right? Just another unique part of him that couldn't be counted as a negative - though so many of his new denmates did.
Why are you always falling asleep for no reason? They'd say. Frog-guts can't you stay awake for a whole day? or He'll never be made a warrior if he keeps dozing off like that, the sleepyhead!
These comments had been responded to sharply by both of his siblings before Hazepaw had the chance to react, and while he appreciated their help, those words had lingered with him lately... They had made him self-conscious for the first time in his life over his little 'problem', they had shaken him up; but, like this affliction with no apparent cure, Hazepaw's 'down' moments are short and he is right back to normal once they're over.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2013 1:19:48 GMT -5
Nettlefur was encouraged by his apprentice's enthusiasm. Though he was confident and patient, Hazepaw was the first cat he'd mentored, and it all felt very new to him. Having only his own apprenticeship and experiences to go by was, he supposed, what all mentors experienced, but it was still a bit daunting. Still, he and his apprentice seemed to get along well. His splotched eyes sparkling with amusement, the tom rose onto his long legs. "The first thing you must know is that is you must be silent when you hunt," he began. "Your paws must not make a sound, nor your belly on the ground. You must conceal yourself in the shadows. Your prey must not hear or see or feel your presence." His words were fluid and energetic, rolling from his tongue infused with the excitement of the hunt itself.
The mottled tabby turned his body so that his downy clanmate could see the length of it. He melted into a crouch, low to the ground but suspended just above it. His tail floating behind him, shoulder blades lifting above his lowered head. Holding still for a moment, he slowly lifted his foreleg and brought it gently to the needled floor of NightClan's forest. His movements were skilled and practiced as he slid silently forward. Rising to his full height once more, he turned to his younger companion. "You try," he mewed, flicking his ears. Though he could have very easily given detailed instructions, Nettlefur refrained from it; he wanted to teach Hazepaw how to think for himself, versus telling him that there was some specific way that everything must be done. So that he may continue to learn long after I am gone, he mused, and not become a mindless limb of those who would seek to deceive him.
"Take your time," he added, then forced himself to observe the young tortoiseshell quietly, his body language relaxed and, he hoped, encouraging.
Word count; 324 Character; Nettlefur Notes;
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Post by Fawn on Jul 15, 2013 16:32:38 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Greenish-blue eyes watched intently as Nettlefur demonstrated, the young tom caught up in making sure he didn't miss a single step, a single tiny movement of the mottled warrior's hunting stance. Even as he was watching, Hazepaw began to shadow Nettlefur, crouching down into his own hunting form that he guessed was as close to his mentor's as he could make it without the warrior stepping in to correct him.
Hazepaw could recall practicing hunting techniques with Darkpaw plenty of times - in fact, it was just the other day they were pouncing on mossballs and sneaking up on the tails of unsuspecting Clanmates. However, despite whatever 'practice' he may've had, the truth of the matter was that Hazepaw and his siblings had more or less been practicing the same stances over and over again without any real grasp on the concept of what was a proper technique or not. Having been doing it the wrong way for so long, it took the plush tortoiseshell tom some time to make his body obey the foreign postures, the narcoleptic tom remaining perfectly alert, so concentrated was he on mastering this task.
"Is this right?" He finally mewed, head swiveling to glance at Nettlefur with imploring eyes, eager to start hunting, but even more eager to do it right.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2013 15:57:16 GMT -5
Nettlefur was pleased to see his apprentice engaged and paying attention. He watched the young tortoiseshell work to mimic his own hunting crouch. The apprentice took his time, carefully trying to adjust his body. Good. The warrior was impressed with Hazepaw's crouch. Many apprentices had trouble with sticking their tails in the air or digging their claws in, but Hazepaw seemed much more advanced, especially for his first session. He's a natural. "Very good!" praised Nettlefur, standing. "You're very tense, but in the wrong places. Relax your shoulders, let them drop a bit." He'd expected to be explaining these things much further into Hazepaw's apprenticeship. "Now shift your weight back onto your haunches... keep your tail off of the ground, you don't want the prey to hear you coming!" He kept his adjustments very lighthearted and positive.
Hazepaw needed no harshness, and for this Nettlefur was glad. He was not the kind of cat who often raised his voice or spoke in an austere manner. "Now tighten your belly. Keep your back straight, but tighten your belly." The mentor was just as engaged as the apprentice, excitement finding its way into his encouraging voice. "Now, keeping your weight shifted in your hindquarters, sink a bit lower to the ground."
The young tom was soaking it up like a sponge. It would take infinite amounts of practice to perfect it, but this was a better start than he could have hoped for. "Now lift one paw off of the ground and slowly creep forward. When you put it down, let it sink into the ground slowly... Each one, slowly, carefully, silently..."
Character; Nettlefur Word count; 270 Notes; :P
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Post by Fawn on Jul 29, 2013 18:50:14 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Hazepaw soaked up the praise like a plant soaked up sunlight, seeming to grow stronger with the positive attention, obviously working to correct any errors Nettlefur pointed out. In the act of sucking in his rounded kitten stomach, he seemed to give it ample reason to gargle out in protest, stating his hunger in a low gurgle that was quiet but no less embarrassing. Hazepaw stole a sheepish glance at Nettlefur, waiting for the snort of disapproval, but when none came, the tortoiseshell kitten lost some of his tenseness. The prey won't hear my tail drag across the ground, at least. I don't think I can control my stomach though!
Following Nettlefur's words as though they were the first and only hunting advice he'd ever receive, the splotched tom acted as though walking on unstable ground, taking cautious, careful steps, so concentrated on his movement that missing a potential target looked like a distinct possibility. I can do this!
A sleek-backed lizard had grown still on a leaf caught in a warm patch of sunlight filtering in through the towering pines, and Hazepaw's greenish-blue eyes focused on the well camouflaged creature, the obvious hesitation in his stance showing that he did not quite recognize what he was seeing. Was that a lizard or was it a stick? Going up and poking it was out of the question - that's not what real warriors did. That was a kit-move, and he knew it.
It wasn't until the wind rustled the crinkled edges of the leaves, causing the lizard to stir slightly in the sunbeam that Hazepaw became confident in having found a target. Unconscious of where the best hiding spots were, Hazepaw was at least a little envious of Nettlefur's earthy toned coat, suspecting his mentor of having a much better time at concealment then the bright gingery black Hazepaw ever would. Excitement gradually building up in his belly (or possibly another gurgle), Hazepaw glanced at Nettlefur, eager to try to catch it with the steps he'd just learned but not so eager to do something without first consulting his mentor. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass them both, and especially without permission.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2013 15:04:03 GMT -5
The long-limbed warrior looked on as his tortioseshell apprentice soaked up every instruction, adjusting his body until his crouch reflected to foundation that Nettlefur was hoping to lay for the young cat. Hardly more than a kitten, Hazepaw didn't have the muscle or strength to do much more than this, but the mottled tabby was proud of his apprentice. These were the foundations that the young tom could build on. Tightening his core, shifting back his center of balance...
A small gurgle rose from Hazepaw's belly, and Nettlefur winced in sympathy. It was his first training session, and it must have been taxing to come all the way out to the Muddy Pools. Still, he didn't regret his decision. It was a good start, away from prying eyes and clucking tongues.
Hazepaw froze, his eyes fixed upon something. Following his gaze, he saw a small lizard bathing in the sun. Perfect. Upon the young tom's glance, Nettlefur nodded his approval, a slight encouraging smile upon his maw.
Character; Nettlefur Word count; 167 Notes; GIT DAT LIZURD!
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Post by Fawn on Aug 9, 2013 22:57:40 GMT -5
HAZEPAW 6 Moons || NightClan || Tom || Narcoleptic
Permission granted, the novice warrior-in-training slunk forward, all the information he'd just absorbed fleeing his head temporarily, leaving the kitten with a bemused expression all over his face. What am I supposed to do?!
Don't panic, for starters. Taking in a deep, quiet breath, Hazepaw's greenish-blue eyes pinpointed the lizard sunning itself, and he approached in painfully slow but for the most part silent steps; some error unknown to the tortoiseshell kitten had been made in his first attempt at stalking the prey, and the lizard bolted. Hazepaw, startled, immediately chased after it, his heart in his throat as he struggled with the muddy texture of the ground, fortunately being very fast despite his couple seconds' delay.
Unintentionally steering the lizard towards a mud puddle, Hazepaw trapped it between a clump of water-loving marsh plants, and after getting jabbed in the face with the lizard's whip like tail, finally managed to deliver a killing bite. So that's what lizards taste like.
Muddy and panting, the patched kitten sat back on his haunches, whipping his head around to mew at Nettlefur triumphantly; "I caught it! I really caught i--"
The small tom's body went slack, splayed out on the mud beside his first ever piece of prey, fast asleep. Apparently the adrenaline rush had caught up with him, but at least he had been carried off to dreamland victorious. Not bad for a first attempt, though with definite room for improvement.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2013 1:29:39 GMT -5
Nettlefur watched his apprentice intently, splotched eyes running over the length of his kitten-like body. For a moment, the young tortoiseshell completely froze, and the older tom could see the confusion on his face. But after a moment it passed, and Hazepaw begin to move slowly forward. Then a misplaced step sent the lizard running. In a flurry of fur and scales, the apprentice dove after the lizard and, miraculously caught it. Yes!
Rising to his paws, the mottled tabby strode towards his apprentice. He met eyes with his young clanmate, a rush of pride equal to that of Hazepaw's before his apprentice collapsed. Horrified for a brief moment, he took a deep breath, calming his pounding heart. Just another episode, he assured himself, flicking his tail and taking a step forward. The apprentice's nose was uncomfortably close to a puddle. With hesitation, the lanky tom bent down and gently dragged his unconscious body back a safe distance from the water.
Though it felt a bit invasive, he did so only for the young tom's safety. A perplexed look crossed his face as he speculated how vulnerable Hazepaw was in this state, and how vulnerable he was to this state. I was frightening to think that when he blinked out, he wouldn't wake for anything. But what prompted these attacks? Wincing at his own choice of words, he studied the tortoiseshell's sleeping form. The first time he'd fallen asleep, he had been upset about an idea. The second time, he'd been excited. There had to be a pattern.
He continued to speculate, calmly keeping a watchful eye on the small sleeping form before him.
Character; Nettlefur Word count; 274 Notes; ~
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